U.S. Appliance Recycling Fees: State Programs for Refrigerators, Washers, and Large Appliances
Reference for U.S. state appliance recycling and disposal fee programs, including advance disposal fees on new appliance purchases and mandatory retailer take-back requirements.
This is a regulated fee — required or governed by law in the jurisdictions below.
Overview
Several U.S. states impose recycling or disposal fees on the sale of large appliances (also called 'white goods'), including refrigerators, freezers, washers, dryers, and air conditioners. These fees fund proper disposal programs, particularly for appliances containing refrigerants, mercury, or other hazardous materials. Some states require retailers to accept old appliances for recycling when delivering new ones (take-back mandates). Fee structures vary: some charge advance disposal fees at the point of sale, while others fund programs through general waste management fees. Online appliance retailers must understand which states require consumer-facing fees versus retailer-funded take-back programs.
Fee schedule by jurisdiction
5 jurisdictions with active fee requirements.
| Jurisdiction | Fee |
|---|---|
| California | No separate POS fee — producer-funded program |
| Connecticut | Disposal fees apply via municipal programs |
| Oregon | No POS fee — manufacturer take-back requirement |
| Washington | No POS fee — manufacturer-funded recycling |
| Federal (EPA Section 608) | No consumer fee — regulatory compliance requirement |
California
No separate POS fee — producer-funded program
Major household appliances containing refrigerants or hazardous materials
CalRecycle oversees proper disposal. Retailers must accept old appliances upon delivery of new ones in many cases.
Connecticut
Disposal fees apply via municipal programs
Refrigerators, freezers, air conditioners, and other CFC-containing appliances
Municipal transfer stations charge disposal fees; no statewide point-of-sale fee
Oregon
No POS fee — manufacturer take-back requirement
Electronics and some large appliances
Oregon E-Cycles and manufacturer responsibility programs cover collection costs
Washington
No POS fee — manufacturer-funded recycling
Electronics and appliances with screens or refrigerants
Covered under Washington's E-Cycle program for electronics; refrigerant-containing appliances handled through EPA Section 608 requirements
Federal (EPA Section 608)
No consumer fee — regulatory compliance requirement
All appliances containing refrigerants (CFCs, HCFCs, HFCs)
EPA requires proper refrigerant recovery before disposal. Violations can result in fines up to $44,539 per day per violation.
Enforcement
Federal EPA regulations require proper refrigerant recovery from appliances before disposal, with fines up to $44,539 per day for violations. State-level penalties vary but may include fines for improper disposal and enforcement actions against retailers who fail to meet take-back obligations.
Official sources
Related guides
Step-by-step guides for charging u.s. appliance recycling and disposal fees on Shopify.
Shopify compliance
This is a mandatory fee — merchants selling in covered jurisdictions are legally required to collect it. Shopify requires that mandatory fees be clearly disclosed to customers before checkout. Use a Shopify app like Magical Fees to automate collection and ensure compliance.
This information is maintained by the Magical Apps team and reviewed annually. Always consult official government sources for the most current requirements.
Quick facts
- Regulation
- State Appliance Recycling and Disposal Fee Laws
- Country
- United States
- Jurisdictions
- 5
- Category
- Recycling Fees
Explore U.S. Appliance Recycling and Disposal Fees in practice
See how to automate this fee on Shopify and browse other regulations in this category.
Related use cases
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